Age: 9 Primary Program: Afterschool Program Secondary Program: Summer Camp “I came to YEP so staff could help me with my homework,” says Aleeyhia who has been attending YEP’s Afterschool Program for the past three years with her older brother and sister. “I like arts and crafts, especially making slime!” However, Aleeyhia’s favorite thing about […]

Age: 20 Primary Program: Trafigura Work and Learn Center – Bike Works & Design Works A year ago when Roman Smith first came to YEP, he was quiet and reserved. Fast forward to today and the young man is willing to share his personal journey with you, which in itself is a major milestone. “There […]

Age: 18 Primary Program: The Village Secondary Programs: Trafigura Work and Learn Center & NOPLAY Summer Scholars 2017 A conversation Arione had with a stranger about YEP while riding the bus one day is what changed her life. He listened as she talked about being tired of attending a traditional high school in New Orleans […]

YEP Educates Alumni Age(s) 20 & 18 Primary Program: Community-Based Mentoring Next year, Christian Pollard is looking forward to graduating from high school. If you ask him about future goals a long list of ideas spill excitedly out of his mouth. “Business is my future major, a minor in photography, a side business in cosmetology, […]

YEP Staff Member & Alumni Primary Program: NOPLAY Wanda Rogers is a 2012 graduate of NOPLAY. When Wanda started at NOPLAY, she was amazed at how open and welcoming the instructors and site was. After enrolling, she worked diligently toward earning her GED while also working a full-time job. After graduating and earning her GED, […]

YEP Graduate Primary Program: Youth Futures Initiative (YFI) Secondary Programs: Trafigura Work and Learn Center, NOPLAY Jaleel Holmes was 16 when he started at YEP after a referral from his juvenile probation officer. He says motivation was never the problem but lack of the support and guidance was until he discovered YEP. YEP helped Jaleel […]

YEP Staff Member & Alumni Primary Program: NOPLAY Darren Alridge has been an incredible asset to the YEP community since he joined our team in 2009. He joined us at age 18 to work toward earning his GED, upon referral from his judge. Then, in 2011, he joined YEP staff as a para-professional who helps […]

Primary Program: Community-Based Prevention (CBP) – St. Charles Parish Mentoring young people is an integral part of the work YEP does. Leslie is one of our current Community-Based Prevention (CBP) participants. He was referred to YEP by the Families in Need of Services (FINS) program in St. Charles Parish. YEP’s CBP Program Coordinator, Sandra Washington […]

Primary Program: Camp Mariposa Secondary Program: Summer Camp “When I go home, I am happy” -Rynae Siblings, Ryan and Rynae joined YEP in September 2015 at the urging of a social worker at a community partner organization. Since becoming involved in YEP’s Summer Camp and Camp Mariposa programs, staff have noticed how they both have […]

Primary Program: Trafigura Work and Learn Center “I would be sitting at home right now,” is how Landrea feels she would be spending her time if YEP was not a part of her life. The 19-year-old graduated from YEP’s Trafigura Work and Learn Center job training program in November of 2015 and is now a […]